Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA

Mar 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) pushes Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) away from LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

George Hill

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George Hill was one of the NBA’s more under-appreciated players prior to this season. When he was traded from Indiana to Utah and replaced with Jeff Teague, most Pacers fans rejoiced while some Jazz fans questioned the move to acquire the pending free agent. Hill has responded this season with the finest play of his career. He has played the best ball offensively, establishing a new career high in scoring with 17.1 points. Once thought of as a fringe starter in the league, Hill has surely established himself as a solid starter.

Hill first made his name as a 3-and-D specialist off of the Spurs bench. He was traded by San Antonio for the draft rights to Kawhi Leonard and became a solid, if unspectacular starter in Indiana who improved each season. The Jazz needed Hill to provide more spark offensively than he has before, and he has responded by doing so while maintaining his efficient shooting splits. His defensive play has stayed at a high level as well; his low assist numbers are really the only weakness in his game as a point guard.

Bringing in Hill to solidify the point guard position has paid dividends for the Jazz. Currently fourth in the Western Conference, Utah will be returning to the playoffs for the first time since they set out to rebuild in 2012. Hill has been the team’s second scoring option to Gordon Hayward and may have earned himself a hefty payday this summer in free agency. The Jazz would surely like the IUPUI product back, but he may no longer be under-appreciated and cost them a premium as a result of his play this season.

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